Thu, 24 Sep 2026 13:25:46 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18485&Focus=311565#Comment_311565 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18485&Focus=311565#Comment_311565 Wed, 23 Sep 2026 13:01:26 +0100 Artiglio
In my local paper there’s been an article in respect of a synchronous condenser being planned for connection to the grid.
I’ve tried reading up on what is, but i’m no electrical engineer.
However am i right in thinking that it’s effectively a standalone flywheel connected to the grid to provide inertia ( iirc this was the term used in the thread about the spanish blackout last year), and that there may be a need for more of these across the country as time passes?

https://theisleofthanetnews.com/2026/09/21/plan-for-synchronous-condenser-to-be-installed-on-farm-site-in-ramsgate/]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18485&Focus=311567#Comment_311567 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18485&Focus=311567#Comment_311567 Wed, 23 Sep 2026 16:39:15 +0100 djh ]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18485&Focus=311568#Comment_311568 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18485&Focus=311568#Comment_311568 Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:01:46 +0100 fostertom
Interesting - we were considering what kit should replace old wind turbines, when the economic moment came for modern upgrade. Much fewer, much larger, wider spaced, we thought. Alternatively, it seems, machinery that improves utilisation factor of existing generating plant is equivalent to, as good as or better than, more panels or turbines.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18485&Focus=311570#Comment_311570 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18485&Focus=311570#Comment_311570 Wed, 23 Sep 2026 20:32:10 +0100 djh Posted By: fostertom"It will replace part of the solar farm already on the land with remaining solar panels due to be renewed."

Interesting - we were considering what kit should replace old wind turbines, when the economic moment came for modern upgrade. Much fewer, much larger, wider spaced, we thought. Alternatively, it seems, machinery that improves utilisation factor of existing generating plant is equivalent to, as good as or better than, more panels or turbines.Solar panels are spaced to fill the space available, allowing for maintenance access. Wind turbines are spaced more widely, depending on the size of each turbines wind shadow. So what's appropriate for a solar farm may not be, and probably isn't for a wind farm. Specifically you could likely drop one of these devices in a wind farm and not notice. Now their value is appreciated and presumably paid for, I expect to see them much more frequently.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18485&Focus=311571#Comment_311571 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18485&Focus=311571#Comment_311571 Wed, 23 Sep 2026 20:36:26 +0100 WillInAberdeen

In Scotland there are now some grid batteries where the inverters can electronically replicate the action of syn cons, so we get the inertia and voltage control without needing a mechanical rotating flywheel. Likely to be replicated as cheaper.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18485&Focus=311573#Comment_311573 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18485&Focus=311573#Comment_311573 Wed, 23 Sep 2026 20:58:21 +0100 fostertom https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18485&Focus=311582#Comment_311582 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18485&Focus=311582#Comment_311582 Thu, 24 Sep 2026 10:54:53 +0100 djh